Fire Smoke Dampers & Fire Doors

Overview

Fire and smoke dampers are critical life safety components that help prevent the spread of fire and smoke through ductwork and air transfer openings. Sophos Fire Systems provides inspection, testing, and documentation services to help maintain code compliance and ensure dampers operate properly when needed.

Fire-rated doors and assemblies are designed to compartmentalize fire and smoke, protect exit pathways, and reduce property damage. Sophos Fire Systems provides fire door inspection and documentation services to help ensure assemblies function properly and meet applicable requirements.

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance

Periodic Inspections - Fire Smoke Dampers

• Verify damper accessibility and proper identification/labeling
• Check for physical damage, corrosion, or obstruction
• Confirm correct damper type and location for the opening/application
• Inspect actuator, linkage, and mounting hardware condition
• Review documentation and prior deficiency history

Periodic Inspections - Fire Doors

• Verify door and frame labels are present and legible
• Inspect door, frame, glazing, and hardware for damage or field modifications
• Check clearances at top, sides, bottom, and meeting stiles
• Confirm latch engagement and proper operation of locking/latching hardware
• Verify hinges/fasteners are intact and secure
• Confirm gasketing, edge seals, and smoke seals (where applicable) are intact
• Inspect coordinator/flush bolts (where applicable) for proper operation

Functional Testing - Fire Smoke Dampers

• Exercise damper to verify full open/close travel
• Confirm blades and seals close fully without binding
• Verify fusible link condition (where applicable) and confirm proper rating
• Test actuator operation and control response (where applicable)
• Confirm reset and return to normal operating position after test

Functional Testing - Fire Doors

• Operate door to confirm it closes fully and latches without assistance
• Test door closer performance and verify no leakage or binding
• Verify automatic closing devices and releases (where applicable) function correctly
• Confirm hold-open devices release upon activation (where applicable)

Maintenance (As Needed)- Fire Smoke Dampers

• Clean debris/dust that may impede operation
• Tighten hardware and address minor alignment issues
• Replace fusible links and small components (as approved)
• Coordinate repairs/replacements for failed dampers or inaccessible locations

Maintenance (As Needed)- Fire Door

• Adjust closers and hardware for proper closing/latching
• Tighten/replace missing screws and minor hardware components (as approved)
• Replace worn seals/gasketing (as approved)
• Coordinate repairs for damaged doors/frames or non-compliant modifications

Common Deficiencies - Fire Smoke Dampers

• Inaccessible dampers (blocked by ceilings, walls, equipment, or duct changes)
• Damper does not fully close or binds during operation
• Missing, painted over, or incorrect fusible links
• Damaged actuator/linkage, missing fasteners, or loose mounting
• Improper labeling or missing damper identification
• Obstructions in the damper/sleeve area (insulation, screws, debris)

Common Deficiencies - Fire Doors

• Door will not self-close or fails to latch
• Door closer missing, leaking, or improperly adjusted
• Excessive clearance or door/frame misalignment
• Missing labels, painted-over labels, or unapproved field modifications (holes/cutouts)
• Missing/damaged gasketing or smoke seals (where required)
• Damaged hinges, missing fasteners, or non-rated hardware
• Improperly functioning coordinator/flush bolts on pairs

What You Receive - Fire Smoke Dampers

• Comprehensive inspection and test reports
• Detailed deficiency reports with photos
• Asset list / damper inventory (where requested)
• Certificate of inspection
• 24/7 access to service history portal

What You Receive - Fire Doors

• Comprehensive inspection and test reports
• Door inventory list (location, rating, assembly details) when requested
• Detailed deficiency reports with photos
• Certificate of inspection
• 24/7 access to service history portal